Features:
- Executive microsystem with CD, minidisc, and tuner
- Vertical-loading CD drawer
- Bass boost system
- 1-bit dual digital-to-analog converter reduces distortion and improves clarity
- Wood-veneer speaker cabinets
Description:
JVC's FS-V9MD is one sexy little system. Its ultracompact, contemporary design houses a single-bit CD player, a minidisc player-recorder, a tuner, and a sleep/timer. The blonde, two-way bass-reflex speakers come in real wood veneers with removable royal blue grilles, which reinforce this system's stylish look and terrific sound. Powering the speakers is a fairly beefy 17-watts-per-channel amplifier. In reality, that 17 watts is a bit inflated due to JVC's generous 10 percent THD (total harmonic distortion) rating; a more useful power rating would be considerably lower. Nevertheless, the FS-V9MD is anything but power shy. It delivered a full, rich sound that reached satisfying volumes even in our fairly large listening room--and this without egregious distortion. Vocals and instruments had a fine, natural timbre, and the FS-V9MD exhibited an excellent sense of recording ambiance and musical detail. JVC offers an equalization curve called Active Hyper Bass Pro for those who want to feel their bass as well as hear it. JVC's Compu Play gives you one-button access to music from any source. In addition, you get an optical digital input and one set of analog inputs/outputs, perfect for integrating the FS-V9MD with other source components. The digital input is particularly convenient for making direct digital copies from another minidisc player (connection cable not supplied). A handy sleep/timer lets you rig the system to begin playing anytime you wish (say, right when you wake up or get home from work) and makes possible the recording of a favorite radio show while you're sleeping or away. The minidisc deck is packed with cool editing functions. You can splice together different songs, take out portions, rearrange, delete, and even name tracks, all with amazing ease and near-CD quality. The CD loads vertically, by the way, via a motorized drawer that also houses a large, blue LCD (the display can be turned off). Our only gripe with the FS-V9MD is the way JVC has split functions between the front panel and the top of the unit. But with the exception of the MD record function (which must be accessed from the front panel), we preferred to use the remote most of the time anyway. Though it's more costly than many compact systems, JVC's FS-V9MD offers a combination of striking looks, remarkable sound, and wonderful functions. --Wayne Garcia Pros:
- Rich, natural sound
- Attractive styling
- Excellent build quality
- Digital input and analog in/out
- Recording and editing minidiscs is a snap
Cons:
- Speakers are not video shielded
- Split control panel can be confusing
- Exaggerated power rating
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